1

While I do not:
Know and googled it, gk was developed in the 1950's. Requires a neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist to identify the target lesion, define the adjcacent tissue tolerances, and deliver a single very large dose, typically 16 - 24 gy, depending on size to the 50% isodose line. Google says the price is frequently 20 -30% less than in the us. Charges are in the range of $25 - 35 k in the usa.
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Tumors that occur in the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Most of these tumors are benign, but a small percentage can be malignant. Most people with meningiomas experience no symptoms.
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2

No:
Stereotactic surgery is usually a minimally invasive procedure using x-ray and computers to locate a spot or lesion to perform a needle biopsy through a very small incision. Gamma knife is a non-invasive procedure to deliver very carefully a high dose of radiation therapy with specialized equipment to treat a lesion or tumor with no incision.
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4

Consult surgeon:
Type of radiation treatment usually performed when tumor or other abnormality in the brain is too hard to reach with standard neurosurgery or person not healthy enough to undergo standard surgery or person prefers a less invasive treatment. Brain tumor. Radiosurgery useful in the management of small noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) brain tumors. Have to ask oncologist advice.
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5

Varies:
Gamma knife radiosurgery is covered by most insurance providers as well as medicaid and medicare. The cost without insurance varies depending on the complexity of the treatment plan.
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8

Not so easy:
This delicate decision is dependent on the disease- tumor? Avm? Trigeminal neuralgia? All these are different and therefore the only person who can answer this is a neurosurgeon who does the surgery you need.
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9

Consult surgeon:
Type of radiation treatment usually performed when tumor or other abnormality in the brain is too hard to reach with standard neurosurgery or person not healthy enough to undergo standard surgery or person prefers a less invasive treatmentbrain tumor. Radiosurgery useful in the management of small noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) brain tumors. Have to ask neurosurgeon advice.
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12

It depends:
Gamma knife is a computerized way of delivering high dose radiation to a tumor without much of the radiation hurting the brain. For benign tumors like meningiomas and acoustic neuromas, tumors can be controlled for 10 to 20years and maybe more. Tumors have to be smaller than 3 cm (1 1/2 in) in diameter. Gamma knife can also slow the growth of malignant brain tumors.
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15

Variable:
Overall side effect profile is better than conventional radiation. Common side effects include- local pain, scalp swelling, headaches, discomfort from stablizing pin insertion. Other less common side effects include nausea, vomitting, skin rash, some hair loss, brain swelling or necrosis in the treated area. Seizure risk and hearing or visual changes are rare.
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17

Let me help:
The primary risk is delayed radiation injury, which typically occurs 3 months or more after treatment as radiation necrosis in the white matter. The incidence of complications is low and more detailed information is included with the studies related to specific sites.
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18

Possibly:
Gamma knife surgery is actively being studied as an alternative choice to traditional epilepsy surgery. Deep brain stimulation of the thalamus has been studied and has been found to be an effective therapy for some types of epilepsy. However, it may not offer any advantage over the vagus nerve stimulator, which is a less invasive treatment. Right now, insurers do not cover dbs for epilepsy
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19

Pros'/Con's:
Radiosurgery, such as the gamma knife, might be a good option for residual, growing tumor following resection or if your tumor is deemed inoperable. There is risk of injury to the brainstem and cranial nerves. A surgical resection, however, carries the best chance at a cure.
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20

6+ months:
Generally the bigger the tumor, the longer it takes results to be appreciated. Of course the nature of tumor & comobidities are important. The nice thing about gamma knife is the exquisite precision of targeting only diseased tissue. Range of time is generally 6 to 18 months before arrest or reversal of neoplastic process can be expected. Periodic re-imaging is essential to monitor control.
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21

Unlikely:
Gamma knife is a targeted method for delivering radiation to a site routinely in the brain or spinal cord. Because of this targeting, there's less chance of collateral damage to bystander organs like those of your reproductive system.
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22

Not usually:
With any type of radiation, the risk of side effects depends on the dose and body part being irradiated. Gamma knife is a technique that delivers a high dose to a small area of the body. If the testicles and pituitary gland are not exposed to a significant dose of radiation, fertility should not be effected.
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23

BIg deal!:
You just had Brain surgery, that is a big deal, and statistically, adding radiation treatment to the remaining tumor has the potential to dramatically decrease what is left and prevent further possible complications in the future. Radiation tx has come a long way and they can often pinpoint the beam exactly where they want and need it to go. Best wishes to you.
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Continued follow up:
Meningiomas are the second most common tumor in the cerebellar pontine angle. The vast majority of these tumors are benign. It is common for these tumors to recur, so continued follow up is essential. Most patients live a normal life after surgery, assuming that there were no complications with surgery.
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25

Depends:
This depends on the size and, more, the location of the meningioma. Some are in very delicate areas of brain and require highly skilled and subspecialized surgeons; some of these resections are quite long and involved. Other times a meningioma may be in a relatively accessible location and the surgery relatively straightforward.
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26

It is about latency:
The cells that make a meningioma happen can really take years and years to decide to intiiate a reaction and form a meningioma. In theory, it could be just one cell. And in theory, other events may be needed to happen - events that can take a long time to randomly happen. Ir sort of winds up the old stopwatch. Something else might have to push the button. It potentiates things.
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27

Depends:
Whether there could be damage depends on where the mengioma was, how large it was in the context of putting pressure on the brain. And there can always be potential consequences from any surgery. Meningiomas can be benign and still cause damage related to how big they are before they are removed.
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30

No good Medicines he:
Surgery is the best way to control/treat this type of tumor if it is causing any pressure symptoms, which will be size-related. How big is this tumor and has she been seen by a neurosurgeon? He/she can give you the best advice.
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31

Growth is induced:
The induction of radiation to cause meningioma is something that is well known. Not all meningiomas are due to radiation and not all radiation causes meningiomas.

A nice set of reviews are here http://www. Medscape. Com/viewarticle/574705 and here http://thejns. Org/doi/abs/10.3171/foc/2008/24/5/e7? Url_ver=z39.88-2003;rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref. Org;rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed;.
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32

Other features:
Are they easy to get to? Are there symptoms related to their presence? How much? I suppose there is some reason that they found them, since the advanced imaging studies are not done on a whim. If you are uncomfortable with the first recommendation get a second opinion from a doc in another town.
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34

Very good:
The success of surgery depends largely on the location of the meningioma. Ones that are alont the convexities of the brain that are readily accessible can be removed in their entirety with minimal morbidity. Tumors at the skull base are more difficult and often require more extensive approaches. These may be associated with higher morbidity.
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35

PT and Time:
Weakness that occurs from removal of brain tumors can take several months to improve and improvement may be incomplete. The best thing to do is pt and exercise to build muscles and prevent contractures of the muscles and ligaments that can occur from disuse.
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37

A large tumor:
A tumor of this size may be causing symptoms and serious consideration of surgical resection should be undertaken by a skilled neurosurgeon. Only if an excellent surgeon has recommended against surgery or the patient has serious medical problems would I advise radiation treatments in a large tumor like this.
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39

Know grade:
The recurrence rate of a meningoma depends upon its WHO GRADE. If the original meningoma was Grade I recurrence is lower 25% and if it was Grade III recurrence rate can be as high as 90%. Check out what your specific Grade was and your neurosurgeon can educate you about the risk for recurrence.
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